Cyclone Alfred triggers widespread school closures in northern NSW as storm intensifies toward Queensland coast
NSW Premier Chris Minns has confirmed 122 schools have been closed in the Northern Rivers as millions brace for impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
NSW
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NSW Premier Chris Minns has confirmed more than one hundred schools have been closed in the Northern Rivers ahead of Cyclone Alfred.
“We’ve also made the decision to close 122 schools in the Northern Rivers for both today and tomorrow,” he said.
“That’s from the Clarence Valley, up to the Queensland border, and West out to Kyogle so if you’re in that school catchment area, schools not going ahead today and tomorrow.”
“That decision has obviously been made to ensure that if there are parents or individuals that are involved with emergency service preparation that they’re able to focus on that situation.”
Cyclone Alfred has caused widespread school closures across northern NSW as the storm rapidly approaches the Queensland coast.
Public schools from the Tweed to Yamba are closed today, with supervision available for parents needing to drop off their children.
Catholic schools in the region are also closed, and further closures are anticipated tomorrow as the cyclone intensifies.
As of 8:30am Wednesday, seven NSW public schools remain non-operational, including Casino, Chatsworth Island, Gulmarrad, Gwabegar, Leeville, and Drake Public Schools, as well as Evans River Community School.
Authorities are monitoring the situation closely, with the Bureau of Meteorology warning that Alfred could reach category 3 strength before landfall in South East Queensland.
Winds gusting up to 150km/h and heavy rainfall are expected, with fears of life-threatening flash flooding as the cyclone makes landfall on Friday, potentially coinciding with high tides.
Tens of thousands of residents in low-lying areas have been urged to consider evacuation, while authorities continue to assess the flood risk.
The anticipated heavy rainfall could see up to 400mm in some areas, triggering major flood risks across Queensland.
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